Heart Reflections

  • Book: “VeggieTales Family Devotional” by Cindy Kenney and Doug Peterson

    Our family has recently finished the Veggie Tales Family Devotional by Cindy Kenney and Doug Peterson.  The subtitle to this book is “connecting to a powerful relationship with God.”  The book has several familiar Veggie Tale characters in it that you kids will recognize if they have ever seen any of the Veggie Tale videos.  The book is divided up into 7 parts.

    • Part One – Faith
    • Part Two – Communication
    • Part Three – Love
    • Part Four – Trust
    • Part Five – Time
    • Part Six – Joy
    • Part Seven – Holidays

    The devotional is for ages 4 to 10.  There are 52 devotionals in the book.  The book has colorful pictures for the kids to look at while listening.  Each devotional has the following:

    • Story
    • God Connection
    • What Does the Bible Say?
    • Family Fun Connection
    • Cucumber Connection
    • Bible Verse
    • Think – Link – Act

    Our girls loved this devotional book.  There were several lessons that inspired more conversations about God, prayer, salvation and more.  I know that it is tough with life’s busy schedule to take the extra time to have devotions with our children, but it is my hope and prayer that these lessons and time together will have a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of my children.  I can’t say that we do devotions every single night (we are FAR from perfect parents), however, it is something we really try to do with our girls as often as possible because we believe it is important.  If you are looking for a new devotional book this is one you might want to check out.

  • Song: “I Lift My Hands” by Chris Tomlin

    I am thankful that there is a healer whose love and mercy is unfailing.  No matter what trials you face this week I hope you are encouraged by the one who can give you the strength you need every day.  May my eyes be open, my faith be strong, and my prayers be lifted up to the one whose love is deeper than the sea.

    Be still, there is a healer
    His love is deeper than the sea
    His mercy, it is unfailing
    His arms are fortress for the weak

    Let faith arise
    Let faith arise

    I lift my hands to believe again
    You are my refuge, You are my strength
    As I pour out my heart
    These things, I remember
    You are faithful, God, forever

    Be still, there is a river
    That flows from Calvary’s tree
    A fountain for the thirsty
    Pure grace that washes over me

    Let faith arise, let faith arise
    Open my eyes, open my eyes

  • Song: “Hiding Place” by Steven Curtis Chapman

    With all of the technology outreaches these days (blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc…) we have a lot of “pieces of ourselves” out on display for people to see and “critique.”  Sometimes people make painful comments whether directly or indirectly pointed towards you that hurt.

    • Am I perfect….oh no far from it.
    • Do I try to do what’s my best for my family……most days.

    It is painfully obvious of how far I fall short in so many areas in my life yet:

    • Will everyone like you all the time….no.
    • Will you make mistakes and say or do stuff that you wish you could take back…..absolutely.

    The other day I was digesting some comments made pretty blatantly in my direction.  My first emotion was disappointment and before long I was discouraged, but in the middle of my frustration I came across this song “Hiding Place” by Steven Curtis Chapman.  Only God knows the true intent of my heart.  I believe Satan allows those comments to hit with a hard sting to make us more distracted.

    I need to learn to trust in God’s promises for my life.  When I mess up He knows and when I do something right He knows that too.  That should be all that matters to me.  I need to place the value of my worth on Him not on some comment that only brings heartache.  Once again He reminds me of the blessing it is to have people who do love, appreciate me, pray alongside me, and are there to pick me up when I fall.  Hopefully the next time when I encounter a harsh word and the storm clouds come my way I will run to Him first.

  • Dear Lord, Please Put Your Arm Around My Shoulder….

    Oh…..this one hits home…..far more often than I want to admit…..ouch!

      If I could only could rewind those times I’ve opened my mouth and said something that I instantly or later regretted saying.  Please Lord give me wisdom when I speak  and to know when I should keep my mouth shut.

    Photo Credit

  • Song: “Rest in the Hope” by Karyn Williams

    Recently I heard another one of Karyn’s songs but when I went to look it up I came across this one.  It was perfect the one for me to listen to at the time.  These last few months have been a whirlwind.  So  many specific situations and people have been on my heart and mind.  I have so many things to be grateful for in my life yet when a stressful situation arises often I find myself trying to fix and manipulate the circumstances rather than resting in the Lord.   He put me on this earth with these specific challenges for a reason and I pray that I will bring glory to Him through each situation because when I rely on my knowledge and strength I end up making everything a bigger mess.  I am thankful that He is the “truth that never changes”.

    You are the truth that never changes
    You are the love that came to save us I am Yours
    Even through all my fear and sorrow
    Facing a new unknown tomorrow I am sure
    That I’m gonna rest in the hope that I’m Yours

    I’ve spent so much time looking for You
    When You were here all along
    Reaching for me to carry me through
    Even when I would fall
    You were waiting patiently
    For me to find the faith to just believe

  • I Love You Sweet Girls!

    I love you Brina & Karlie

    Before I traveled to India earlier this year I left a few goodies for the girls including this sign.  They were so excited to see this sign hanging up when they came home from school that day.  They treasured it so much that the sign is still in their room!

    This is a great reminder of how doing something simple like a spray painting a poster board can mean the world to our kids.  It is important to tell our kids that we love them in various ways including writing it down for them to read and showing them by our actions.  How have you shown your kids love today?

  • Song: “Strong Enough” by Matt West

    I had a day late last week when I got slammed with a bunch of stuff and felt overwhelmed with everything going on.  It was one of those days you wanted to crawl back in bed and start over again.  Thankfully I don’t have to fix everything or depend on my own strength to solve all the problems that hit me because God is right there alongside of me helping.  He is not surprised by the extra challenges that come into my life; in fact He uses them to reveal Himself even more in my life.

    You must
    You must think I’m strong
    To give me what I’m going through

    Well, forgive me
    Forgive me if I’m wrong
    But this looks like more than I can do
    On my own,

    I know I’m not strong enough to be
    everything that I’m supposed to be
    I give up
    I’m not strong enough
    Hands of mercy won’t you cover me
    Lord right now I’m asking you to be
    Strong enough
    Strong enough
    For the both of us

  • Song: “Grace” by Laura Story

    This is a great song by Laura Story.  At times I find myself weak, discouraged, unfocused, and stressed.  It is especially during those times that  I am thankful that I have a Savior to pick me up and give me the strength I need to get through each day.

    My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
    I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.
    And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me.
    And hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

    I ask You: “How many times will You pick me up.
    When I keep on letting You down.
    And each time I will fall short of Your glory.
    How far will forgiveness abound.
    And You answer: ” My child, I love you.
    And as long as you’re seeking My face.
    You’ll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace.

    At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged.
    Knowing that someone, somewhere, could do a better job.
    For who am I to serve You, I know I don’t deserve You.
    And that’s the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.